Halloween Candy and Cocktail Pairing: A Sweet and Spooky Guide

Halloween isn’t just for the kids anymore! If you’re hosting an adult Halloween party or simply want to enjoy a fun night in, pairing Halloween candy with cocktails can add a unique twist to the holiday. Here’s a simple guide to pairing popular Halloween candies with cocktails, creating a blend of sweet, sour, and spooky flavors.

1. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups & Espresso Martini

Why It Works: The creamy, nutty flavor of Reese’s pairs perfectly with the rich, slightly bitter taste of an espresso martini. This cocktail’s smooth coffee flavor complements the peanut butter, making it taste like a grown-up dessert.

• Cocktail: Espresso Martini (mix vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso)
• Tip: Add a splash of cream to your martini for a smoother, richer texture that enhances the chocolate and peanut butter.

2. Skittles & Margarita

Why It Works: Skittles are tangy, fruity, and colorful—qualities that go well with a classic margarita’s tartness. The sweetness of Skittles balances out the cocktail’s limey edge, making each sip and bite feel refreshing and vibrant.

• Cocktail: Classic Margarita (tequila, triple sec, and lime juice)
• Tip: Try a flavored margarita, like strawberry or mango, to pick up on specific Skittles flavors.

3. Snickers & Old Fashioned

Why It Works: Snickers combines caramel, nougat, and nuts, making it a complex candy that pairs well with the rich, warm notes of an Old Fashioned. The caramel complements the bourbon, while the nutty undertones highlight the cocktail’s oak flavors.

• Cocktail: Old Fashioned (bourbon, bitters, sugar, and a twist of orange)
• Tip: Add a dash of chocolate bitters to your Old Fashioned for a richer flavor that pairs even better with the chocolate and caramel in Snickers.

4. Sour Patch Kids & Moscow Mule

Why It Works: Sour Patch Kids pack a tangy punch, and when combined with the gingery kick of a Moscow Mule, they make an electrifying pair. The lime juice in the cocktail highlights the candy’s tartness, while ginger beer keeps it refreshing.

• Cocktail: Moscow Mule (vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice)
• Tip: Try freezing a few Sour Patch Kids and dropping them into the cocktail for a unique garnish and added flavor.

5. Candy Corn & White Russian

Why It Works: Candy corn has a creamy, marshmallow-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with the smoothness of a White Russian. This cocktail’s mix of vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream is like an adult version of a sweet milkshake that matches candy corn’s classic Halloween flavor.

• Cocktail: White Russian (vodka, coffee liqueur, and heavy cream)
• Tip: Garnish with a sprinkle of crushed candy corn for a spooky look and added sweetness.

6. M&M’s & Red Wine

Why It Works: M&M’s are simple, chocolatey, and go well with a robust, dry red wine. The rich, cocoa flavor of the candy complements the wine’s tannins, creating a cozy and surprisingly balanced pairing.

• Cocktail: A glass of full-bodied red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
• Tip: Chill your M&M’s slightly for a cooler pairing that won’t melt in your hand or in your glass.

7. Starburst & Gin and Tonic

Why It Works: Starbursts are sweet, juicy, and fruity, making them a fun match for a gin and tonic’s botanical notes. The citrus-forward gin picks up on the candy’s fruity flavors, and the tonic water adds a refreshing twist.

• Cocktail: Gin and Tonic (gin, tonic water, and lime)
• Tip: Try different gin flavors (like berry or floral) to match each Starburst flavor, and garnish with a Starburst on a skewer for an extra pop of color.

8. Kit Kat & Irish Coffee

Why It Works: Kit Kat’s light, crispy wafer texture pairs well with the creamy, coffee-infused flavor of an Irish Coffee. The warmth from the Irish whiskey adds depth, while the coffee complements Kit Kat’s chocolate coating.

• Cocktail: Irish Coffee (hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and cream)
• Tip: Dip the Kit Kat in the coffee for an indulgent, melty treat that brings out even more flavor.

Quick Tips for the Perfect Halloween Candy and Cocktail Pairing

• Balance Sweetness: Don’t let your cocktail overpower the candy. If you’re pairing a sweet candy, go for a slightly less sweet cocktail.
• Experiment with Flavors: Halloween is about having fun! Feel free to experiment with different candies and cocktails to find your favorite combos.
• Make it Festive: Add spooky garnishes like candy corn rims, gummy worms, or a few drops of food coloring to make the cocktails more Halloween-themed.

Pairing candy with cocktails is a fun way to bring a new twist to Halloween. Whether you’re hosting a party or having a quiet night in, these pairs add a treat for your taste buds—no tricks required!